All for one and one for all at Stags, says McGuire

John Lomas

Stags midfield general Jamie McGuire underlined how Mansfield Town’s united dressing room and squad mentality was the key to their current run of success.

After gaining a season’s best 10 points from six games in the month of February, Stags made it back-to-back wins to open March at Newport on Tuesday, despite manager Adam Murray freshening the side up with six changes.

Ahead of tomorrow’s six-pointer at fellow strugglers Cheltenham Town, McGuire said it was important that players were all behind each other, whichever 11 were selected to start matches.

“Everyone knows their job, whoever is picked for Saturday,” he said.

“A big shout-out to the gaffer, he made six changes on Tuesday and a few people outside probably questioned that.

“But, fair play to him, it freshened the team up and the lads who came in got the result.

“It (Newport) is a horrible place to go. The lads have had some big battles with them over the years, in the Conference especially, but the main thing was that we got three points.

“The subs made a big impact when they came on – Reggie (Lambe) scored again and long may that continue.

“It’s all about us at Cheltenham. We go into the game knowing we can win and the whole squad is buzzing at the moment Whatever team he plays, everyone will be ready.

“I am 110 per cent for the team like everyone else. We all want to achieve staying in this league.

“It’s been a massive week, getting back-to-back wins.”

Stags had the second worst away record in the division, so Tuesday’s 1-0 win at play-off chasing Newport was a big boost.

“That was a big one for us, getting that off our backs,” said McGuire. “Mentally it will make a big difference to this Saturday. We know we can beat anyone on our day.”

McGuire skippered the side at Newport and put in a superb performance. However, he knows he could find himself on the sidelines tomorrow.

But he said: “It doesn’t really bother me. The gaffer knows what team to put out and, if I am back on the bench, then so be it. We are all together as one.

“I kick every ball and I head every ball from the bench. You saw with Junior’s goal last weekend how we all celebrated as one. That had a big impact on Tuesday.

“I am always cheering the lads on and I am always going to be character. If it’s a bit quiet before a warm-up I will make sure I am there with my mouth. I am not everyone’s cup of tea but I will always give 110 per cent for this club.

“The gaffer deserves praise for the work on the training ground, which is where this is coming from.

“This is not just for the club but also for the town. We have been down in the Conference. We know what it’s like and we don’t want to return there.”

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